Hobbs Fire Department Offers Huge Incentives to Join

July 10, 2018 at 12:52 AM CDT - Updated July 10 at 12:52 AM

By: Alexa WilliamsNewsWest 9

HOBBS - The Hobbs Fire Department is definitely feeling the affects of the oil boom. In fact, they're currently short 20 positions. But, in an effort to help fill the spots, the fire department is offering some huge incentives.

"Those who have firefighter certifications or an EMT certification, if they sign a five year contract, they qualify for a $25,000 housing incentive which allows them to put that money towards a down payment and closing cost," Barry Young, with the Hobbs Fire Department, said.

But that's not all, if you're certified and sign a 10 year contract, you'll get 50,000 dollars towards a house down payment. However, if you're not certified, don't worry, you'll receive a $15,000 sign on bonus. Meaning you'll get $3,000 every year for your first five years.

"Housing in Hobbs we know that's a big issue around here. With the cost of housing and the shortage of housing, we think that with these incentives it will help us out with getting some applicants from in the city as well as outside the community," Young said.

There are some qualifications to join the Hobbs Fire Department. You have to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Once you join, the fire department takes care of the rest.

"We run our own fire academy's, we put people through the EMT courses. It's all paid for by the department, by the city. No cost to that individual at all," Young said.

The Hobbs Fire Department only hopes the new offers will help extinguish their shortage.

"With the incentives, we're hoping we attract some applicants to come in and try to get a job with us," Young said.